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<\/p>\nWant to be your own person? A real rebel? Well, this could be the car for you.<\/p>\n
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The 2026 Skoda Kamiq Select<\/a> is a five-door hatchback designed for running the mean city streets (and those equally cruel suburban roads) in comfort, but without spending buckets of money.<\/p>\n It seems like everyone is buying SUVs and dual-cab utes nowadays, but there is still a minority of the population who realise they don\u2019t need to drive something the size of an apartment block to work each day.<\/p>\n Or, at least, the household doesn\u2019t need a second large vehicle when only one person is using it most of the time.<\/p>\n The good people at Skoda call the Kamiq a small SUV, but sorry, I\u2019m calling them out \u2013 it\u2019s a hatchback, just like its sibling, the Skoda Scala. It\u2019s a mere five centimetres taller and has some extra ground clearance over the Scala. So it\u2019s a high-riding hatchback, at best.<\/p>\n They\u2019re trying to tell you it\u2019s a small SUV because people want SUVs. But really, as you\u2019ll soon discover, this hatch is as much car as most people really need.<\/p>\n As the quirky Czech brand within the Volkswagen Group, Skoda has based the Kamiq on the company\u2019s MQB A0 platform, shared with no less than a dozen models across four brands \u2013 including the Volkswagen Polo, Audi A1, and the aforementioned Scala.<\/p>\n While cynics will think this is just penny-pinching on the part of Volkswagen Group and its brands, what it really means is this platform has been developed to meet the needs of buyers spending Audi levels of money.<\/p>\n But are you really getting Audi quality for Skoda money? Let\u2019s find out.<\/p>\n How much does the Skoda Kamiq cost?<\/p>\n The 2026 Skoda Kamiq Select is priced from $33,990 before on-road costs, making it the best-value variant in the Kamiq lineup \u2013 and the same price as the closely related Skoda Scala.<\/p>\n However, at the time of writing, Skoda is offering the Kamiq for $29,990 drive-away for a limited period \u2013 a roughly 16 per cent discount over the typical drive-away price \u2013 making the vehicle significantly better value.<\/p>\n To see how the Skoda Kamiq lines up against the competition, check out our\u00a0comparison tool<\/a><\/p>\n Let us help you find your new car<\/p>\n Buy your new car without the stress. It’s fast, simple and completely free.<\/p>\n Great service from Travis and team, second time I have used this business would not hesitate to recommend them to anyone<\/p>\n Craig C.<\/p>\n Purchased a Ford Ranger in Sunshine Coast, QLD<\/p>\n CarExpert helped Craig save thousands on his Ford Ranger, now let us save you on your next new car.<\/p>\n Find my deal<\/a>What is the Skoda Kamiq like on the inside?<\/p>\n The cabin is one of the best things about the Kamiq \u2013 and really, shouldn\u2019t that be one of the most important things when deciding on a new car?<\/p>\n Close your eyes and you could easily think you\u2019re sitting in a Cupra or an Audi, which is no bad thing. There\u2019s lots of crossover between Volkswagen Group models at this end of the price scale, and \u2013 along with the company\u2019s accountants \u2013 Skoda buyers are the ones who benefit most.<\/p>\n Not only are the materials of good quality, but the manufacturing has been completed to a high level, so no weird rattles or abstract parts that look as if they could be a problem in the future.<\/p>\n What\u2019s more, everything falls to hand easily and is relatively intuitive to use.<\/p>\n A centrally located 8.25-inch infotainment touchscreen works well with the eight-speaker sound system, while the 8.0-inch digital display ahead of the driver relays plenty of information in an easily readable format.<\/p>\n Ergonomics are also top-notch, making for a comfortable long commute into work or a painless jaunt to the nearest shopping centre. I particularly enjoyed the seats and the pared-back cloth upholstery.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is all I need,\u201d was the overriding thought every time I jumped behind the wheel.<\/p>\n My only minor annoyance came from the pedals, which were too close together. Not to the degree that it would turn me off buying one, but it raised a red flag a handful of times during my week with the Kamiq. However, my feet are a little wider than most, and my foot coordination isn\u2019t about to win me a starring role in the Bolshoi Ballet.<\/p>\n The slightly raised ride height meant jumping in and out of the car was a breeze, making the Skoda a particularly good option for those with some laugh lines around their eyes or those with limited mobility.<\/p>\n Like most small hatchbacks (and light SUVs, if you insist on calling it that), the back seats are fine for transporting small people over small distances. Anything beyond that, and your passengers may spring a mutiny.<\/p>\n Boot space is 400 litres if you\u2019re using the back seats, and 1395L with the seats down, which is about par in this segment and good enough for a few big bags and Ikea flat packs.<\/p>\n DimensionsSkoda KamiqLength4241mmWidth1793mmHeight1521mmWheelbase2650mmCargo capacity 400 litres (5-seat) To see how the Skoda Kamiq lines up against the competition, check out our\u00a0comparison tool<\/a><\/p>\n What\u2019s under the bonnet?<\/p>\n The Skoda Kamiq is powered by a 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine producing 85kW and 200Nm, driving the front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.<\/p>\n To see how the Skoda Kamiq lines up against the competition, check out our\u00a0comparison tool<\/a><\/p>\n How does the Skoda Kamiq drive?<\/p>\n I\u2019m old enough to remember when Volkswagen debuted the dual-clutch transmission, and it was a revelation. It suited the Mark V Golf GTI perfectly, and felt like the first proper advancement in transmission technology since the sixth gear became a thing.<\/p>\n Then, the Volkswagen Group fitted it to pretty much every car across all of its brands.<\/p>\n That was around 20 years ago, and more traditional automatic transmissions are now doing a better job than VW\u2019s DSG ever did \u2013 at least, for commuting. And yet the German auto giant insists on its use, even when we know it only suits some types of cars.<\/p>\n Unfortunately, the Kamiq ain\u2019t one of them.<\/p>\n There\u2019s no doubt the dual-clutch has improved markedly in recent generations and is far more user-friendly now at low speeds. But rather than being good all the time \u2013 like a conventional automatic \u2013 it\u2019s great sometimes, and sub-par the rest of the time.<\/p>\n My second drive in the Kamiq forced me to pull out into heavy, fast-moving traffic. No problem, I thought, just find a gap.<\/p>\n I found a gap, squeezed the throttle\u2026 squeezed a little more\u2026 still nothing\u2026 and then finally the turbo kicked in and the tyres squealed like I\u2019d shown them an inappropriate picture on my phone.<\/p>\n Over the coming days, that situation repeated itself. Perfectly acceptable gaps in traffic quickly disappeared, putting me in danger and annoying the cars around me \u2013 or worse \u2013 simply because the powertrain couldn\u2019t keep up with my perfectly reasonable demands.<\/p>\n The 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine is very laggy, and there\u2019s a very real and noticeable pause between what is asked of it and what it delivers. None of which is helped by the dual-clutch automatic transmission.<\/p>\n Because of this delay, the temptation is to push down harder on the throttle, so when the turbo does kick in, it\u2019s now running maximum boost and suddenly the front wheels are breaking traction \u2013 making you look like a fool, and putting your licence at risk in Australia, where wheelspin is a capital offence.<\/p>\n The addition of the automatic start-stop feature \u2013 which cuts the engine when at a stop to conserve fuel and reduce emissions \u2013 just increases the delay. The actual time on a stopwatch would be minimal, but at a green light in peak-hour, it feels like a millennium.<\/p>\n The supposed advantage of a three-cylinder turbocharged engine is that it offers the power of a four-cylinder, but with the fuel economy of a three-cylinder. Yet, in my time with the Kamiq, I only managed 6.7 litres per 100 kilometres \u2013 almost 22 per cent above the claim \u2013 which really isn\u2019t any better than most four-cylinder engines.<\/p>\n Whereas a larger engine probably would have given me instant torque off-the-line, the turbo lag meant pushing the small engine harder \u2013 negating the benefits.<\/p>\n Having said that, those annoyances were relatively minor in the overall scheme. And while the powertrain didn\u2019t suit my personal driving style, I have no doubt there are many people out there who would find it perfectly acceptable.<\/p>\n Once you\u2019re moving, the Skoda is downright lovely. The shifts are responsive, the engine \u2013 when on boost \u2013 is responsive and strong, and the on-road dynamics are more akin to something in a much higher price bracket.<\/p>\n Perhaps it was because I was enjoying my time with the Kamiq Select so much that those issues with the powertrain were amplified more than they normally would have been.<\/p>\n Engine aside, the Kamiq actually rides and handles really well, and seems to be perfectly suited as a suburban commuter car.<\/p>\n The suspension is well-damped, but still provides relatively good response and feedback at all speeds, and \u2013 along with the easier ingress and egress \u2013 the raised ride height definitely gives it an advantage over more traditional small hatches.<\/p>\n The brakes are also decent and confidence-inspiring, all of which \u2013 once you\u2019re moving \u2013 adds up to a genuinely enjoyable driving experience.<\/p>\n To see how the Skoda Kamiq lines up against the competition, check out our\u00a0comparison tool<\/a><\/p>\n What do you get?<\/p>\n The entry-level Kamiq Select comes with most features expected nowadays, with the option to add more technology and styling with the $5200 Signature Pack.<\/p>\n From expert reviews to the right deal<\/p>\n CarExpert brings together reviews, research tools and trusted buying support, guiding you from research to delivery with confidence.<\/p>\n Kamiq Select equipment highlights:<\/p>\n 17-inch alloy wheelsAuto LED headlightsLED front fog lightsLED tail-lights, rear fog lightsLED ambient lightingRain-sensing wipersAuto-dimming rear-view mirrorKeyless entry and startPower-folding exterior mirrorsAuto-dimming driver\u2019s side mirrorLeather-wrapped steering wheel8.0-inch digital instrument cluster8.25-inch touchscreen infotainment systemWireless Apple CarPlayWireless Android Auto8-speaker audio4 x USB-C portsDual-zone climate control Optional Signature Pack ($5200) adds:<\/p>\n Travel AssistLane Assist with Adaptive Lane GuidanceAdaptive Cruise ControlElectric tailgate with hands-free operationPark Assist18-inch black alloy wheelsRear privacy glass10.25-inch digital instrument clusterLED ambient lightingChrome roof railsChrome window surroundsFabric upholstery (lodge interior) Kamiq Monte Carlo adds:<\/p>\n Auto LED Matrix headlights with Dynamic Light Assist9.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system10.25-inch Virtual Cockpit10-speaker premium audioGloss black exterior trim and badgingAluminium pedalsPower-adjustable driver\u2019s seatHeated front sports comfort seatsHeated steering wheelPanoramic glass roof with electric sunblind<\/p>\n To see how the Skoda Kamiq lines up against the competition, check out our\u00a0comparison tool<\/a><\/p>\n Is the Skoda Kamiq safe?<\/p>\n The Australasian New Car Assessment Program \u2013 better known as ANCAP \u2013 lists the Skoda Kamiq as being unrated, with its previous five-star score from 2019 having expired in the time between us driving the car and publication.<\/p>\n Standard safety features include:<\/p>\n 7 airbags incl. driver\u2019s kneeAutonomous emergency braking (AEB) incl. pedestrian detectionBlind-spot monitoringLane AssistRear cross-traffic alertFront and rear parking sensorsReversing cameraTyre pressure monitoringDriver fatigue detection<\/p>\n Kamiq Monte Carlo adds:<\/p>\n Lane Assist with Adaptive Lane GuidanceAdaptive cruise controlTravel Assist (adaptive cruise control and lane centring)<\/p>\n To see how the Skoda Kamiq lines up against the competition, check out our\u00a0comparison tool<\/a><\/p>\n How much does the Skoda Kamiq cost to run?<\/p>\n The Kamiq is covered by Skoda\u2019s seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty.<\/p>\n Skoda offers service packs of five or seven years for the Kamiq, costing $2990 and $3990 respectively, with maintenance required every 12 months or 15,000 kilometres (whichever comes first).<\/p>\n Running costsSkoda KamiqWarranty7 years, unlimited kilometresRoadside assistanceUp to 7 years (service activated)Service intervals12 months or 15,000 kilometresCapped price servicing7 yearsTotal capped price service cost$3990<\/p>\n To see how the Skoda Kamiq lines up against the competition, check out our\u00a0comparison tool<\/a><\/p>\n CarExpert\u2019s Take on the Skoda Kamiq<\/p>\n There\u2019s plenty that impresses with the Skoda Kamiq, and particularly with its limited-time price of $29,990 drive-away, it comes across as a real bargain in this space.<\/p>\n While I like the exterior styling, it\u2019s pretty generic by today\u2019s standards, but that same pared-back ethos makes the interior of the Kamiq a lovely place to spend some time in.<\/p>\n Arguably, the design is a generation old now, but the quality of the cabin is about as good as it gets. Add to that the sub-$30k drive-away price, and it becomes a very likeable car indeed.<\/p>\n There are compromises, however. I found myself continuously frustrated with the powertrain, which seemed less suited to city driving than the rest of the package. Fuel economy also disappointed, and probably was the result of my sticking my boot into the throttle because I wanted more than what it was able to give.<\/p>\n Which makes me think the Kamiq Monte Carlo with the 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine is really the one you want. But at $44,990 drive-away, that ain\u2019t small change.<\/p>\n For what is a 50 per cent premium for some performance and styling changes, I think I\u2019d rather just pocket the money and learn to live with the Select\u2019s shortcomings\u2026<\/p>\n And that\u2019s just comparing the Skoda Kamiq Select to the Kamiq Monte Carlo. Considering it borrows more than a sprinkling of magic from the likes of Volkswagen, Cupra, and Audi, the Skoda shines as one of the most impressive and likable cars in this bracket.<\/p>\n The Kamiq\u2019s pricing means it\u2019s now part of a very exclusive club, shared with one or two Japanese cars and a handful of Chinese vehicles. Parking the Skoda next to some of those in the price segment makes the Kamiq look like one of the best value cars on the market \u2013 certainly from European manufacturers.<\/p>\n For owners, it\u2019s also flying in the face of the mid-sized SUV trend. Sometimes being a rebel isn\u2019t riding a Harley-Davidson, but cruising around in a hatchback from Czechia.<\/p>\n Ultimately, if you want a cheap car that doesn\u2019t make you feel like a cheapskate every time you drive it \u2013 and something you\u2019d be happy to park next to your in-laws\u2019 BMW X3 at Christmas \u2013 then the Skoda Kamiq is very hard to look past.<\/p>\n Interested in buying a Jeep Wrangler? Let CarExpert find you the best deal\u00a0here<\/a><\/p>\n Click the images for the full gallery<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/2026-03-250924skoda-kamiq-selectstill-33.jpg\")
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ModelDrive-away price2026 Skoda Kamiq Select$33,9902026 Skoda Kamiq Monte Carlo$44,9902026 Skoda Kamiq 130 Years Edition$44,990<\/p>\n![\"Craig](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/car-testimonial.jpg\")
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1395 litres (2-seat)<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/2026-03-250924skoda-kamiq-selectstill-24.jpg\")
SpecificationsSkoda Kamiq SelectSkoda Kamiq Monte CarloEngine1.0L 3cyl turbo1.5L 4cyl turboPower85kW110kWTorque200Nm250NmTransmission7-speed DSG7-speed DSGDriven wheelsFront-wheel driveFront-wheel driveWeight1310kg1340kgFuel economy (claimed)5.5L\/100km 5.6L\/100kmFuel economy (as tested)6.0L\/100km6.1L\/100kmFuel tank capacity50L50LFuel requirement95 RON95 RONCO2 emissions125g\/km126g\/kmEmissions standardEuro 6Euro 6Braked tow capacity1200kg1250kg<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/2026-03-250924skoda-kamiq-selectstill-4.jpg\")
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